Title pretty much explains it. Im purchasing a 2010 model VERY soon and I the first thing I plan to do when I get back to the states in July is take a long trip with a buddy. We will be traveling ~50mph for the first 600 miles to break in the bike, find a harley dealer and do the maintenance, then continue.

So what do you not like about your bike?

btw im 6' 200lbs

 

The brakes aren't very powerful

 

thanks. every bit of information helps. Maybe not for the cruise, but for the general bike all together. Im literally having dreams of this bike, because i wont see it for just under a year

 

dude its a harley, I love harleys but there are a lot of compromises.....

brakes stink, its under powered, its heavy, undersprung...you will need new shocks, the seak is like a brick.....

all that said...its a harley and you cant put a price tag on cool!!!

 

ooh my plans do not reside in a stock condition.
Thanks for all the info

 

if your not keeping the shocks or seat and you plan to change all that then there is nothing to worry about.

for the ride, its about RPM, not vehicle speed, keeping it under 50 doesnt mean a thing. you have to vasry the RPMs alot, shift the gears around, just dont rev it too high for the first 100 miles or so, after that you can cruise it. the first few miles are the most important for a break in

you have to find a long stretch wind the motor up and let off the throttle and let the engine slow you down. breaks in the rings with positive and negative pressure, best way to do it. do it a few times and youll be good to start the trip after that.

my experience? wrenching on bikes for ahwile and rebuilding the motors of almost every bike in my sig and having to break them in. do it right from the start no problems in the future

 

Well it will all come in time, modification wise. Im pretty sure the iron 883's do not come w/ a tach. I guess its all just sensing when to shift like older cars?

 

There is absolutely nothing wrong with an Iron 883 for the price I paid.

 

I'd have to agree that the brakes are a little weak. I can cruise at 80 mph all day and still have plenty of power left over. But, that's with a PCV, exhaust, and a heavy breather added. Didn't have it above 65 or 70 prior to adding them as I put them on just after my break in period was over. Shocks could use a little work but I'm not a big guy and can live with it. I haven't found the seat to be uncomfortable like others have said. You'll probably want forward controls as even I went to forwards and I'm only 5' 7". I think it they had black highway pegs I would have gone that route for my height. I changed to RSD type 8" mini apes and love the way they feel but I didn't find the stock bars uncomfortable either. Hope that this helps. I love my bike and love every minute I get to ride it.

 

First let me state that I did not purchase this motorcycle for long trips or two up riding. The first things I upgraded where the pipes, (black shortshots) intake and supertuner. Also extended mirrors so I could see behind myself, and forward controls so my ride would be more comfortable. The best thing I added was the Airhawk cushion for the seat. If you are going to ride for more than 45 minutes you will definitely need this or something else to cushion your ride. The last three items were absolutely necessary for a comfortable ride. Other things I have also done was to remove the reflectors, and add an thermostat oil dipstick. Bottom line, the only item Harley Davidson needs to improve is the seat. For what I believe the bike is designed for it is perfect except for the seat. Everything else I changed was because of my size, 6' and 210 lbs., or just outward appearances. I've had this bike for three months and for the type riding that I do it is perfect, now. Hope this helps.